Speculation surrounds Melania Trump's potential decision to not fully return to the White House if her husband, Donald Trump, secures another presidential term in 2024.
Experts suggest she will divide her time between Florida and New York, a move that would be a significant break from tradition.
According to Daily Mail, First Lady experts indicate that Melania Trump might choose to live part-time at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach and part-time in New York City, reflecting her desire to avoid a full-time return to Washington, D.C. This speculation comes amid reports that their son, Barron, 18, may attend New York University, further anchoring her presence in NYC.
Sources close to the family highlight that Melania would likely only visit Washington, D.C., for ceremonial responsibilities and special events. The move would represent an unprecedented departure from the tradition of first ladies residing in the White House alongside the president.
Melania Trump has reportedly been distancing herself from the political and social scene in Washington since the Trumps left the White House in 2021. Her absence was particularly noted during Donald Trump's hush money trial in Manhattan.
Since leaving the White House, Melania Trump has maintained a relatively low profile and made few public appearances. Insiders suggest that if Donald Trump wins in November, Americans should not expect to see Melania frequently in the East Wing or at public events in D.C.
Barron Trump, Donald and Melania's youngest son, is also unlikely to move back to the White House, as he plans to attend college in the fall. Melania has been notably absent from the 2024 campaign trail, participating mostly in private events.
Next month, Melania Trump is scheduled to host a fundraiser for the conservative LGBT group Log Cabin Republicans at Trump Tower in New York City. This event is one of the few public engagements she has on her calendar for the near future.
If Donald Trump secures another term, Melania is expected to advocate for a more substantial, better-qualified staff for the first lady's office. This would mark a shift from her previous approach, leveraging her previous experience to demand more resources and support.
Mary Jordan, an associate editor at the Washington Post, noted Melania's independent streak in her decision-making:
Melania does what Melania wants. Her view is unelected, not paid, adding this makes her stand out in history from any other first lady.
Kate Andersen Brower, an expert on first ladies, commented on Melania's likely actions if Donald Trump wins another term. According to Brower:
She's distancing herself even more from her husband and from the Washington social political scene. I mean, she clearly hated being in Washington.
Insiders and experts continue to speculate about Melania's movements and public appearances, noting her scarce sightings since 2021. She was last seen emerging from Trump Tower with luggage and Barron shortly after Donald Trump's trial in Manhattan.
In summary, if Donald Trump is reelected in 2024, Melania Trump is expected to break from tradition by not fully returning to the White House. She will likely split her time between Palm Beach and New York City, focusing on her son's education and her private life. Melania's limited public appearances and her absence from the campaign trail suggest a deliberate distancing from the political scene. Experts predict she will only return to Washington, D.C., for official events and will advocate for a more robust staff if she resumes her role as first lady. Her actions indicate a desire to maintain her independence while supporting her husband's political endeavors from a distance.
